Rising netball stars off to Asian tournament

THE best young netballers from across the Far North flew out to gain some international experience yesterday afternoon.

Two squads, consisting of under-15s and under-17s talent, travelled to Singapore to compete in the two-day tournament starting on Saturday.

The Marlins Coast Netball squads will face teams such as Singapore Netball Academy, the Hong Kong Cricket Club, Majlis Sukan Sekolah – Sekolah Malaysia and Sekolah Sukan Tunku Mahkota Ismail – Malaysia Johor Bahru, in what is expected to be a tough competition.

The Singapore Netball Academy is keen to host its first International Quad Series for club teams in Singapore.

Marlin Coast Regional President Heather McLaren said the tour would be a valuable experience.

“The teams will play against Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Singapore academies,” McLaren said.

“The group will fly home on Monday and most of the players will represent their schools in the Vicki Wilson Cup and Shield on Tuesday.”

Every team will play four games including the finals. Under-17s: Akira Barlow, Alexis Ford, Megan Crane, Reilly Cifuentes, Jada Smith, Sara Liebel, Kate Padovan, Jenna Kerswell, Georgia McCarthy Coach: Sharon Beechey Manager: Narelle Harris Under-15s: Jorja Harvey, Taylah Leibel, Allessandra Smith, Lillian Ross, Caitliin Spinella, Kaset Devine, Jordy Constant, Paige Whatling, Jaime Preston Coach: Michelle Cifuentes Manager: Meredith Ford Coach Mentor: Heather McLaren Umpire: Cherie Jackson